Sturt attracts both Australian and international craftspeople each year to participate in the Artist-in-Residence program. Artists with a particular skill, or with many years experience in a specialised area, are invited to work at Sturt for two to three months. During this time, the artist is asked to explore new work, teach students for weekend or five-day courses, present a public lecture, and exhibit finished pieces at Sturt Gallery.

The Residency program injects fresh energy and new ideas into established studios and practices for permanent craftspeople at Sturt. Knowledge exchange can occur formally – in the class room – or informally – through casual interaction in the studio or at public events. For the artist, the Residency provides a valuable period of time, free from constraints of family, routines and commitments to stimulate a period of experimentation and reflection, invaluable for all creative endeavours.

In the past eight years nineteen Residencies have occurred at Sturt. The significance of these visits is evident by the growth in all the studios. In particular courses have increased in weaving and Melanie Olde is now a permanent weaver on site.  Sturt Gallery has experienced increased sales with many important exhibitions resulting from Residencies. The School for Wood has benefited from a wider range of tutoring with three Residencies in wood and design. Jewellery courses have expanded. Finally there is the invaluable effect of having the increased presence of professional craftspeople working and living at Sturt over the past years.